Cornerstone Support Service aspires to address this need by developing and managing affordable housing for low income senior citizens and low income residents in Bedford Stuyvesant. These homes would be made available to the seniors at an affordable rate and they will be equipped with the extra accessories that would make their living arrangement more accommodating to their health concerns.
Originally built in 1894, The Belmont sits directly across the street from the Cornerstone Baptist Church, a community institution in Bedford Stuyvesant for nearly 85 years. After purchasing the building in 1986, Cornerstone renovated and attempted to stabilize the property under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Harry S. Wright. However, the property continued to deteriorate, becoming a magnet for drugs and crime. As part of its mission to actively improve its surrounding communities, Cornerstone Baptist Church elected to clear the building and undertake a major gut renovation of the property to convert it to affordable housing. CBC Support Service Housing Development Fund Corporation was established to develop the property. Financing has been provided by CPC, HPD, the Landmarks Conservancy as well as the federal HOME program.
The newly renovated Belmont Apartment Building at 547 Madison Street was dedicated on Thursday, June 17, 2004.
The renovation of the Belmont apartment building is finished and families have moved into their new apartments. All of Cornerstone and Brooklyn should be proud of the work that was accomplished during the past several years by Cornerstone Support Services Corp Housing Fund Development Corporation to bring this project to completion. Cornerstone's not for profit corporation obtained financing for the 1.3 million dollar renovation project. The 9 new apartments are modern, beautiful and bright. The architect, contractor, building manager, and Cornerstone Support Services Corp did a truly wonderful job.
The landmark Belmont Building has been fully restored and is better than ever. Beautifully finished hardwood floors were installed. Each apartment is wired for cable, has phone jacks in each room, an abundance of electrical outlets, and contemporary light fixtures. The larger two bedroom apartments contain more kitchen cabinets than the tenants would probably ever use. Each apartment has access to the building’s front-door security camera via their television set. Attractive landscaping has been installed around the building. Each tenant should be proud and happy to say that they reside at the beautiful Belmont Apartment Building.
» New York City Housing Preservation Department Press Release (pdf)
» Brooklyn Eagle Newspaper Article (pdf)
» Coverage by Real Estate Weekly (pdf) |
